Jennifer Fernandez, PhD

We help people affected by addiction reclaim control of their lives—because life’s too short not to live it on your own terms.

Have you been trying to manage your drug or alcohol use but feel stuck in a frustrating cycle? Do you feel exhausted and overwhelmed by your addiction? We understand—change can feel incredibly difficult, but it’s not impossible. Therapy can help you uncover the patterns that keep you feeling trapped and offer the clarity you need to move forward. Together, we’ll explore compassionate and effective strategies to help you regain control of your life.

The California Center for Change offers expert addiction treatment with skilled therapists, available online across California. We provide individual and group therapy for adults, as well as support groups for families impacted by addiction. Additionally, we offer chemical dependency evaluations for schools and licensing boards.

Our group offerings include:
• Online 10-Week Addiction Support Group: This group introduces the biopsychosocial approach to addiction, providing the foundational recovery skills necessary to change your relationship with drugs or alcohol
• Online Support Group for Parents and Loved Ones: Learn strategies to support your loved one in reducing problematic substance use, seeking treatment, and improving your own mental health and well-being.

As therapists, we see our relationship as a partnership, where we work together to uncover what’s beneath the surface and empower you to make informed decisions. Our aim is to help you tap into your own inner strength and wisdom, while offering consistent and reliable support along the way. We provide a compassionate and safe space where you can navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity, confidence, and self-trust.

Our approach to addiction therapy is rooted in compassion, helping you and your loved ones understand the underlying causes of addiction and its impact. Our clients are often dealing with depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, or neurodiversity in addition to substance misuse. Through a collaborative partnership, we identify patterns that may be holding you back and support your personal growth. We also encourage family involvement, building a strong support system that is key to lasting recovery and meaningful change.

How we can help:
• Reduce the negative consequences of substance use
• Address co-occurring disorders such as depression, grief, anxiety, trauma, or personality disorders
• Learn mindfulness skills to manage cravings and delay immediate gratification
• Overcome feelings of shame and guilt around substance use
• Develop coping strategies for difficult emotions, such as anger or grief
• Create meaningful alternatives to substance use
• Improve the quality of your relationships, including the relationship with yourself
• Learn safer substance use skills, such as responsible drinking
• Plan a lifestyle that meets your needs and desires
• Support friends and families in understanding addiction and the recovery process